As week two of Advent winds down, consider these thoughts from Pastor Dave. Our disappointments don’t define us…God does. How do we find God in Unexpected place—even in our disappointments? Many Christians have Circumstantial Faith; Our beliefs about God and our faith in God are impacted by what we see, by what we experience, by…

We encounter Jesus in unexpected places and people; Don’t let our bias in our hearts blind us to this truth. Matthew 1:1-6 (Jesus’ Genealogy) has several misfits included: prostitutes, adulterers, murderers, evil and corrupt leaders of state, along with very righteous people. What is the genealogy in Matthew teaching us? We’re all broken people –…

We had an article in the newsletter last month about some important work we will be undergoing together as a church starting this fall and you can read more about it in the Hand to Plow section of our website. Part of the Hand to Plow process brings us together with other United Methodist Churches…

Putting on Christ means we live for Christ: · To admit that we’re powerless over so much of what happens in life and that our lives can get out of control… · To believe in our hearts that only by trusting Jesus can our lives be restored to wholeness… · To intentionally turn our will…

As we gather on Sunday mornings to worship, I’m awe struck by the gift of relationships: our relationship with Christ and the great blessing of our relationship with one another. Can you imagine living where there was nobody else to talk to and celebrate and rejoice with? The blessings of family – community – the…

In Matthew 18 Jesus is talking about the importance and power of His followers being connected with other Christians in their faith. Among those words He says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with them” (vs. 20). I will often point to the importance of what He is…

As a part of our series, Together Strong, you will hear a lot about the importance of the support of everyone here at Bergen UMC for the ministry God has given us. In one way or another we all realize the spiritual benefits of our church. Worship, prayer, bible study, children/youth ministry, and fellowship, are…

During the season of Lent we will offer many invitations to gather with others for worship, meditation, and prayer. In addition to our Sunday gatherings, all of our special Lenten weekday offerings are at 7:00 pm. Ash Wednesday Service: Wednesday, February 18 This service will include prayer, music, the imposition of ashes (for those who…

Following Jesus – Together – Sharing Him with Others is the mission statement of our church. Which is our way of saying, this is how we will live Jesus’ mission for His church, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of…

The holiday season is kind of a mixed bag for pastors. I put a lot of pressure on myself to create meaningful worship experiences and offer reflections on our timeless story of the Christ-Child that was born that first Christmas. Before the kids came along it was easier to justify such narrow minded focus on…